In its election manifesto, the BJP says it believes political stability, progress and peace are "essential for South Asia's growth and development".

But the party's leader has also hinted at a tough stance on talks with Pakistan, saying "the sound of dialogue is drowned by the noise of bombs and guns".

How can the BJP be a cohesive force?

The BJP's resounding election win was a huge defeat for the governing Congress party, and leaves an opposition that is weak and divided.

The BJP's victory leaves regional parties with no real bargaining power

Rajnath Singh, the BJP's current president, said: "All caste, creed, race, we have transcended that and the BJP has become victorious." The party has also succeeded in picking up both urban and rural votes.